Nothing is worse than being thirsty, pulling the tap on the water cooler, and nothing comes out. If your water cooler is not dispensing properly, an empty water bottle would appear to be the most obvious reason. However, there are numerous other factors that could cause your water cooler dispenser to malfunction.

If no water is flowing from your bottled water cooler or dispenser, there are generally two main causes: either the reservoir has become frozen, or the air filter is water-saturated due to a leaky bottle or dirty.

To thaw a frozen reservoir, first safely remove the plug from the wall electrical socket. Remove the water jug and the non-spill lid (if your unit has one). If you see a block of ice in the reservoir, just leave the water dispenser unplugged for at least four hours to allow the ice to melt. If the ice has fully melted but the water cooler is still not dispensing, there is likely something wrong with the air filter or the faucet.

If your water cooler was frozen you should probably adjust the temperature of the thermostat. Look for the small brass screw on the back and turn it one-quarter turn (counter-clockwise). Replace the bottle and plug the cooler back into the electrical source.

If your cooler continues to have freezing issues, then it is highly possible the internal thermostat is no longer functioning properly and will need to be replaced. Fortunately, Aquaverve carries replacement thermostats for several of our bottled and bottleless water coolers.

If your water cooler has an air filter, it may have become wet or clogged with dust or debris. You must remove the filter and either replace it, or leave it out altogether. The air filter is only vital if your cooler is in an industrial workshop or other high-dust area; the typical home water cooler doesn’t require an air filter.

If you discover your water cooler spigot is not working, be sure to check it often for calcium buildup or other debris. Powdered water flavorings can often become stuck to the spigot, and may affect the spigot’s ability to dispense after long periods of time. If you think hard water or calcium buildup is the culprit, remove the spigot from the water cooler and immerse it in a cup of white distilled vinegar for fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the scent of vinegar disappears. You should frequently do a visually inspect the spigot for signs of wear. After several years of use, your water dispenser faucet may need to be replaced. Aquaverve has a wide selection of hot and cold faucets for our water coolers and dispensers.
Following these tips for common bottled water dispenser issues can help you avoid costly repairs, and assure your family continues to have clean, refreshing water for years to come.